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Three in 10 seniors are ‘trying more plant-based food’ due to COVID-19, according to a new survey.
Amica Senior Lifestyles surveyed more than 1,400 seniors and Baby Boomers across North America to find out how the pandemic had changed their dietary habits.
It found 30 percent of those aged over 55 had implemented more vegan food in their diet – with 59 percent saying they were making ‘healthier choices’. However, 21 percent admitted to eating more meat ‘than they usually would’ during these unprecedented times.
‘A natural response’
In a statement sent to Plant Based News, Mary Purdy – an Integrative and Functional Eco-Dietitian – discussed the survey outcomes: “I see the growing interest of older individuals in plant-based foods as a natural response to both their current lifecycle and the trends that are buzzing in the news.
“Many may be working with current or increased risk of cardiometabolic issues (hypertension, elevated cholesterol, higher blood sugars) which copious amounts of research consistently indicate can be mitigated by increasing plant proteins.”
‘Eco-friendly practises’
Purdy added: “Additionally, they may surmise that it is a way for them to take part in more eco-friendly practices that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions as a nod to the younger generation who are being left with a bit of a mess of a planet.
“Lastly, digestion slows down as we age and the fiber contained in many plant-based foods is often a friend to someone who might need a little support in that department.”
You can read the full survey here
